Festive Foreign Film Fans

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) The boys are going Dutch this episode and exploring Christmas in the land of tulips, windmills, and hole-y dykes. Grab your wooden shoes, we are heading to the Netherlands for St. Nicholas Day! We also examine a surprisingly dated film from 2007, Alles is Liefde, and discuss whether the same film could be made today. It is another example of the subgenre we call the “Love Actually Knockoffs” with several characters, many stories at once, and intersecting storylines brought together by the holiday spirit. The film is funny and has all of the necessary feel-good elements – including a charming prince on a horse – but it also features the controversial assistant of St. Nicholas known as “Zwarte Piet" or "Black Pete”. This traditional Dutch character is portrayed here in an exaggerated and offensive fashion. The film even posits the question of whether the Petes exist as the slaves of St. Nicholas, and this concept is played for laughs. Sadly, this undertone of racism detracts from what is a fun, lighthearted holiday movie, especially if you’re interested in the culture. And speaking of, we also take a look at some unique Christmas elements, including a novelty song about a dead rabbit, Santa with a butt plug, and a popular festive song that was first popularized by Ernie and Bert on the Dutch Sesame Street, and is sung by one of the actresses in the film. This episode is truly a delectable gourmetten! Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) In today’s episode, we enjoy Skenbart or “IIlusive Tracks” a black and white Swedish film set in 1945. It is a comedy, thriller, drama and love story, all wrapped up in one, along with those common elements you expect in a Christmas film – murder, adultery, and violence. Plus, if you can believe it, it’s really, really funny. Join the boys are we travel with the hopelessly idealistic Gunnar, a failed author who quit his job to escape on a train for Berlin. He sees excitement and opportunity and wants to rebuild the city after World War II, but instead leaves chaos in his wake. On the train leaving from Stockholm is an eccentric crew – a Catholic doctor who wants to kill his wife, a gay man who hates men, a hapless soldier on the wrong train, and some hard-drinking nuns with religious doubts and a motley group of Baltic refugees. Now this is a holiday party! Even with the hilarity, Mark and Bob still find time to celebrate a true Swedish Christmas, with an authentic smorgasbord washed down with a couple mugs of Julmust. They also set a giant straw Yule goat on fire and enjoy their annual viewing of Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul, all while waiting for Jultomten to arrive. To top it off, they swing to the silken tones of the dashing former model and Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw and his 2010 cover of "Tomten, jag vill ha en riktig jul". With all this laughter, adventure, and generosity, can it get any more festive, fans? Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) The boys head north again to another Scandinavian country to fully embrace the land of Vikings, pastries, and Mads Mikkelsen. It’s Denmark! Yes, our own Hannibal Lecter stars in a revenge drama that has all of the elements you didn’t know you wanted for the holidays – anger, grief and lots of violence. And It is still feels Christmassy! Don’t misunderstand, this is the rare film where you recognize by the end that everybody should’ve gone to therapy. Good thing we are in the happiest country in the world! Even their Christmas customs are snug and cozy (well except for the nisse who wants to break the necks of your cattle and burn down your barn). You better leave him some Risalamande. Plus, we have our first international rap anti-Christmas song “Jul 'Det Cool". It joyfully celebrates how Christmas is expensive and boring. Happy Holidays! There is nothing rotten here, so sit back and enjoy this ride. Trust us, it's a wild one! Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) We are still in our post-St. Patrick’s Day reverie so the Festive Fans decide to head off to enjoy the Emerald Isle. Mark is excited to celebrate the locale of his favorite film The Quiet Man and the home to three of his great-grandparents. He is our resident leprechaun so he gets to present the Irish movie Kisses. And no, it's not about that famous blarney stone. This film follows a young boy and girl who run away from their violent homelife at Christmastime. Although still young, they share a hardness in their eyes and cussing in their mouths, so it is not your typical holiday film. It begins in black and white. Their lives are rendered in sad, bleak tones, which later turn to color when they escape to Dublin. They encounter musicians, street walkers, con artists and thugs, and yet the mood is still whimsical. It has a vague hint of Christmas spirit about it -- and these young teens deserve a touch of festive Irish magic in their lives, if only for a short time. We explore some holiday customs like the killing of the wren, the Christmas morning polar swim, and Shloer, a special seasonal drink. There is also "Women's Christmas" or “Little Christmas” on the Epiphany, where it’s a girls' night out with a suggestion of magic in the air. We debate St. Patrick's over St. Joseph's Day. Plus, we enjoy a song called Christmas the Way I Remember by the High Kings. It is part of the new era of folk music, modern but still reflective and insightful like the traditional ballads. Mark caps it off his family's Christmas blessing. It's an episode that is all so very Irish. Sláinte! Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) Don’t cry for us Argentina, you have delivered on a very meaty holiday. And we are not just talking about the ox tongue and tuna sauce at the Asado. Our first tour stop in South America really delivers its fireworks -- both on and off the screen. La Noche Magica is a film that may seem dark and unsettling, but it is what Mark has described as a “must see”. The complicated plot finds a thief mistaken for Santa on Christmas Eve who becomes intrigued with the family he is robbing. He first stumbles upon the wife’s lover, hiding on the balcony. Next, he walks into an unfortunate love triangle between a fussy collector, his beautiful wife, and the best man at their wedding. In the midst of this serious storytelling and social reflection, there are also comic moments and black humor to relieve the suspense and to help grapple with the heady subject matter being tackled in this arty Christmas movie All is not what appears to be, including Nicola and his mission. This is not your conventional festive film but hold on to your red hat for a provocative and colorful ride, Next, we explore the traditional customs of Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) with an hourly detail of the evening’s events, both the dinner and the Sobremesa. The all-night party continues with a festive display of fireworks, globitos, and the arrival of Bom Velhinho. If you can’t make it, at least you can listen to “Ven a Mi Casa Esta Navidad”, which reflects the yearning we all have for a sense of belonging and togetherness during the holiday season. The song is a reminder that if can’t be home, at least you can “Come to My House this Christmas”. Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) This reminds us of when we reviewed a film from Turkey in November, now February is Black History month in the States and we just happen to be covering our first film on the African continent. Today we travel to Lagos, Nigeria for an entertaining Christmas rom com that features all of the classic Hallmark movie tropes - boys meeting and losing girls, misunderstandings, maternal meddling, corporate greed, and a best friend crush. Plus, there is the annual holiday festival that teaches everyone about love, kindness and the meaning of Christmas. While a seeming cliche, “A Naija Christmas” has a bit more heft. It is festive and heart-warming to watch three brothers compete to fulfill their Mother’s wish to see her sons married. However, the real Christmas present is being introduced to a different, more genuine side of Nigeria. There are no money-seeking Nigerian princes or corrupt warlords here, but three familiar young men who tease, argue, and fight like brothers do, but also look out for and take care of each other. They have their normal struggles at work, with their girlfriends, and taking care of their aging Mama. These are real-life scenarios that all can viewers relate to, butnwe are also treated to the honest cultural issues of class, gender and faith found in Nigeria. We also explore local customs like Detty December, Christmas rice, and knockouts and fireworks on Christmas Eve. We meet the Nigerian Father Christmas, who gives out his gifts by hand or by throwing them into the air instead of delivering them at night. Last, we enjoy the song “Y’ello Christmas” by Nigerian-born Moelogo because the color yellow in Africa represents happiness, harmony and culture. Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) We’re gonna show you a movie you can’t refuse. The boys are off to Italia -- Bob’s ancestral homeland – for a magnifica celebration of amore, famiglia, and Natale. And don’t worry, it’s not personal, it’s business. We review the Italian holiday film Una famiglia perfetta from 2012. But first, we listen to Bob try to pronounce the Italian words without mistake, so he doesn’t end up sleeping with the fishes. This is a thoughtful comedy that asks the question of what it means to be a family, because, as we know, a man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man. And don't ever take sides with anyone against the Family. Ever. This film also examines the delicate fragility of marriage. While it can be a bit emotional, you act like a man. What is the matter with you? Is this how you turn out, a Hollywood finocchio that cries like a woman? While thoroughly enjoyable, this film has equal parts charm and anxiety, and a few comic twists that we don’t want to share. What are you worried about? If we wanted to tell you, you’d know already. We go the mattresses and weigh in on the cultural battle of panettone versus pandoro – dishes that taste best when served cold. We also discuss La Befana, the Christmas witch and enjoy a festive song that is an ode to, of all things, ginger, which the lyrics describe as “the true fulcrum of Christmas, not the crib, not the Baby Jesus, but ginger.” And when we’re done, leave the gun. Take the cannoli. Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) Vincent Van Gogh’s classic painting “Starry Night” has, through the years, inspired poets, musicians, and now another gem -- this episode’s holiday film from Taiwan. Mark describes it as the “best film we have reviewed” so far. It is a heartfelt story based on an illustrated novel, and the film shares the artful imagination of both the painter and the author with its stunning visuals. The genuine emotional content of the story sparks a discussion between the boys on what elements make for a good Christmas movie. Although Taiwan is a majority Buddhist and Taoist country, “Starry, Starry Night” creates true Christmas "feels" while dealing with painful issues like bullying, divorce, and death. However, despite its heavy themes, the movie and its young actors shine as brightly as the night sky that inspires them. The film also includes some fantasy elements that provide for a welcome escape from their unhappy reality. In addition, we learn about Taiwan’s dazzling Banqiao District with its high-powered projections, digital Christmas trees, and giant Lego Santa. Plus, we discuss the Dongzhi Festival, celebrated on the winter solstice (December 22), with its sticky rice animals and nine-layer cakes that are offered as a ceremonial sacrifice to honor deceased ancestors. Join us on a sentimental journey to a land that, like this movie, is colorful, charming, and a bit magical. Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) It’s a new episode, a new year, and an exciting new country for the Festive Fans! For the start of 2024, we travel to Iceland -- a country with dramatic landscapes full of giant glaciers and fiery volcanos. Such extreme contrasts also underscore the movie Echo. This intimate film is equally humorous and heart-breaking. It is a probe of contemporary Iceland at the holidays, with 56 separate scenes highlighting the minutiae, quirks and idiosyncrasies of daily life. Once you get past expectations of a fluid storyline, Echo has a real-life poignancy with its authentic detail, nuanced emotion, and universal themes. This movie leaves a lasting impression through its small and quiet moments. Plus, we also explore the magical Yuletide customs of this land, with its dark winter nights lit by the celestial Northern lights. So get cozy, lick a spoon, put on your new duds, and put aside your book for our love letter to an Icelandic Christmas! Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) Merry Christmas to all of our Festive Fans! The boys celebrate Christmas today by considering the uplifting Ukrainian song and the movie Carol of the Bells or “Schedryk”. The story takes place in the years preceding and during World War II and features three different families who are living as neighbors in a large house. They are different nationalities and religions, and all experience death, violence and inhumanity. It may seem like an odd choice for the holiday, but at its heart, it is a story about humanity, sacrifice, and kindness. What better message at Christmas than one about always having hope and finding light in the darkest of times, which was true then and is still true today. Our effort this December was to feature Russia and Ukraine to highlight the spirit of brotherhood and unity that naturally exists in this region and throughout the world. Our Christmas wish for the new year is for peace in the Ukraine and all of the areas across the globe currently under siege. We can live as the families do at the beginning of the movie – each culturally unique but still sharing and enjoying our diverse music, food and traditions. There is a healing power in joy, and so today embrace this simple, but compelling message: glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) The Festive Fans embark on their plan to spread Peace on Earth and Good Will to Men this episode as they journey to Mother Russia. It’s a sincere effort to try to find some Christmas spirit in the former Soviet nation. We watch a movie filled with class warfare, occultism, and pick pockets. It is set before the Bolshevik Revolution, so you will see elements of the holiday depicted in the stunning surroundings. St. Petersburg is gorgeous in 1900 and we get a glimpse at how the aristocrats and the servants celebrate and, trust us, you’ll want to be at the goth carnival with the peasantry. Plus, we listen to an updated Christmas song based on a poem from 1905, but it sure doesn’t sound like it. So don’t say Nyet, strap on your skates and join us as we go dashing through the snow. Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) In today’s episode we explore how true Americans celebrate Christmas – the Native Americans. Yes, we make a visit to the American Indian nation, as a Thanksgiving Day salute to the indigenous people who saved the Pilgrim butts and got a big thank you dinner and European delicacies like smallpox and kidnapping. When we first learned to say Merry Christmas in the language of the Mi’Kmaw tribe during our Quebec episode, we wondered aloud if there was a Christmas movie featuring native people and we found a delightful one. We thought it appropriate for this weekend to kick off the holiday season with a lighthearted romp at a Utah ski resort, that includes all of your favorite rom-com tropes: convenient coincidences, obvious misunderstandings, and a beautiful snow-filled festive setting. Sit back, turn off Yellowstone, and enjoy a cheery movie filled native people and without the stereotypical portrayal of casinos and substance abuse. Merry Christmas! Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) It’s November and we are talking Turkey. No, not those dim-witted, low-flying, tree-roosting birds that many of us plan to eat later this month. We are talking the country of Turkey, which is the ancestral home and inspiration for Santa Claus – St. Nicholas. Although this is a country that lies part in Asia and part in Europe, and is 99% Muslim, they do have a statue to Saint Nick himself, and his remains are in a sarcophagus there. Plus, they have a Christmas film and it’s a good one. Neseli Hayat, which means "Jolly Life", and this is what you will be feeling after watching this film with its overwhelming Santa spirit. Ho-ho-ho. Now you know why St. Nick was born there Also, enjoy the fabulous food of this region and their interesting holiday drinks. Also, we learn about Radio Sharma and hear a song off the first Christmas album in Turkey ever. So put on your red underwear, and if you like the podcast, do some pyramid marketing – you tell some of your friends, they can tell their friends, and so on, until we have a Festive Fans sales network and we all get a villa. Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) Happy National Christmas Podcast Day! The theme of today’s special event is for the many different Christmas podcasts to cover a version of Charles Dickens Christmas Carol. Since we are the Festive Foreign Film Fans, we needed a foreign adaptation and we discovered the 1953 Italian film Non è mai troppo tardi, which means “It’s Never Too Late”. Now, we have to apologize to our listeners because the subtitles for this film were AI generated, so they are not exactly perfect. It was lucky that we know the story so well, or we might’ve been in trouble. We had a scene where our main Scrooge character -- Antonio Trabbi -- just shouted “Orange”, which did not seem particularly relevant in the context of the film. Or, when he has reformed and yells to the boy in the street, he calls out "What vegetable is today?" Again, compared to what I recall, this does seem to track the book. SInce we are only discussing the movie, and not customs or music, this is a much shorter episode. Take the extra time to find and listen to other Christmas podcasts. They cover different topics and are all great, and I promise they will lift your spirits. Just seach for Christmas on APple or Spotify and see what comes up. We did this a few years ago and look at us now -- watching Italian movies about fruits and vegetables! Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) Boo! It’s spooky season for our Christmas podcast. This episode we have Pastorela, and it is devilishly good. It is the appropriate holiday film for October as it features demons, an exorcism, and an epic battle of Good versus Evil. What more could you want from a film that plays like a Halloween-Christmas crossover event, let alone the corruption, sex and swearing? All that’s missing is an enema. Merry Christmas! Plus, we discover Mexico’s famous Christmas beer – Noche Buena, discuss Pastorelas and Posadas (and no, you don’t eat them), and we learn (and sing) about the famous decorated branches from Veracruz. And, to make sure we provide you with enough shopping days, Bob mentions his December birthday. It’s a Trick and a Treat! Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) Today is a "Bada Din" – which means Big Day in Hindi. Mark and Bob explore the movie of the same name, which is the Indian term for Christmas. Bada Din was released in 1998 and is a holiday dance and song spectacle – it features murder, a GQ model-turned-actor, 10-minute chase scenes, and a dreamy music video with spider webs. Merry Christmas! The Festive Fans totally enjoy their second holiday musical. To get into the festive spirit of the movie, Mark and Bob do the whole podcast with backup dancers in colorful parachute pants, sitting on white horses, and distracted by the belly dancers moving throughout the studio. Plus, they decorate with banana and mango leaves, and place a star lantern on the roof. All that is missing is that regional go-to Christmas treat -- plum pudding, with fermented cashew apples, cudapah almonds, ghee, and royal cumin seeds. Yum! Even the Christmas song Jhoomo Naacho admonishes the boys to “dance and dance happily as Jesus is born today”. So get up and groove – we are celebrating Christmas Bollywood style! Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) You need to Czech out our latest episode. It’s heavenly! We review the 2005 Czech film Andĕl Pánĕ and it is a hellish good time. This festive fairy tale features Patronel, a bumbling angel; his boss God; and, a handy squad of versatile Saints, all on call. Also, we meet Patronel’s satanic guide Urias, who observes the escalating chaos with a knowing wink and a devilsh grin. If that is not enough entertainment, we explore other celestial celebrities such as Jezisek, Baby Jesus who flies through the window on Christmas Eve to bring gifts to the Czech children. Also, Mikulus, the patron saint who visits Czech homes to judge the children’s behavior, accompanied by two familiar friends – an angel and a devil. Finally, all of this is capped off by Czech singer Ewa Farna and her 2017 holiday hit “Vánoce na míru” meaning “Christmas in Peace”. Even after five years, it hit the top of the charts again in 2022. So don’t miss out on all the fun – it’s like a giant birthday party for Jesus in heaven! Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) Bob and Mark ur hoachin as they tromp through the Scottish moors in kilts and tap shoes tae be tellin eh day’s good craic eh a fever dream – the Christmas Zombie Pandemic High School Musical -- “Anna and the Apocalypse”. There’s nothing better than flesh-eating festivities eh go wae ye haggis. It’s pure bagging! Yin join us mate eh speak Gaelic, talk holiday scran, hold hands with Thor and Odin, and burn a little o’ the Rowan branch. And we ain’t blootered! We also recall auld lang syne as a wee bairn wae the Orchids song “I Wish I Was”. It leaves is pure greeting. Ye won’t be ‘scunnered! Our movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6433880/ Christmas Zombies: https://undeadwalking.com/2020/12/04/5-best-zombie-christmas-movies-walking-dead-fans-might-love/ Auld Lang Syne https://www.scotland.org/inspiration/the-history-and-words-of-auld-lang-syne?fbclid=IwAR0lu1G_qu-e_SnGcczp06PireW8ZTCF8pSy4iwG-3gAQxbnqaS3Y5tI6s4 How to say “Merry Christmas” in Scottish Gaelic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N3mt34hXPM Hogmanay https://www.historic-uk.com/.../The-History-of-Hogmanay/ Yule https://sonsofvikings.com/blogs/history/viking-origins-of-christmas-yule-traditions?fbclid=IwAR077lL9mLI6C9ZUCsS6sozIE_lh3ttc_scRScHzKtDwWw77miwl_c0YMu8 13 Days of Christmas https://thefifearms.com/whats-on/13-days-of-yule/?fbclid=IwAR2V7VedXFx4-4LHkHOpyTSuzCA-yCanG2szwZkQJZA-1V2hrwBSl3QryS8#:~:text=To%20the%20tune%20of%20The,illustrations%20by%20illustrator%2C%20Edinburgh%20Letters Scottish Christmas song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZYV-oZYXIk Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/

Festive Fans Unite! (send us a message) You may be dying to know that for this episode, we dig up Mark's past -- and it's of grave interest. Since his dad was the town's undrtaker, he is best suited to lay out our film for public viewing. We explore a dreary holiday in a town entombed by its sole industry -- asbestos mining. And Mark buries it pretty good. But don't write our obit yet, we also enjoy the better part of being Quebecois at Christmas -- pig's feet soup, flying canoes, lumberjacks, and a star fairy. And don't forget to wash it all down with communion wine! Our movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067439/ Quebec region https://www.bonjourquebec.com/en-us/where-to-go/regions-of-quebec Lumberjack Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfRdur8GLBM Quebec Film Industry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_Quebec Funeral Practices in Canada https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/funeral-practices Asbestos Mining https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/asbestos-mine How to say 'Merry Christmas' in the Mi'kmaw language https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/mi-kmaq-language-bernie-francis-holiday-greetings-1.4954824 Reveillon https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/features/the-reveillon-christmas-canada The Flying Canoe https://www.myfrenchcanadianfamily.com/post/the-flying-canoe-is-a-19th-century-french-canadian-acid-trip-and-we-love-it Quebec Christmas Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E37a30inFs Email Address: festivefans@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/festivefans?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 4F Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2QIjYWNP1TS0hC2OFeBXqO?si=8791632a966d4f53 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092522416848 4F Flair Shop (Festive Fans Merchandise) https://festivefanflair.myspreadshop.com/